In one classroom, a group of kids are sitting at computers wearing headphones, listening intently to music that they have created. Next door, a group watches a kid spin records on two turntables while matching the beats for the first time, eliciting a giant smile of accomplishment. Not what you expect to see in a traditional 4-H sponsored after school program, but exactly what you get from West Virginia State University Extension Service’s 4-H after school program at the Roosevelt Neighborhood Center on the East End of Charleston (in the old Roosevelt Junior High School on Ruffner Avenue).
Started in January 2005, the program focuses on the most desirable tracks designed and implemented during the highly successful summer program, the Hip Hop Boot Camp. These Middle and High School kids learn everything from the basics of music production, to turntables, to recording music during the six-week classes.
Chris Kessell and Rasheed Jones the men behind the program, began their work with 4-H as volunteers, and now work as 4-H Associates for West Virginia State University Extension Service. Chris and Rasheed are local music producers who co-own the production company G-Mode Entertainment. Together, Chris and Rasheed also coordinate the very successful summer 4-H program, the Hip-Hop Boot Camp.
All classes are free of charge at from 5:00pm – 6:30pm on Tuesdays or Thursdays. In the future Hip Hop Dance 1 and 2 along with Song Writing 1 and 2, Advanced Production and Advanced DJ courses will be added to the class offerings. We are currently filling slots for our next classes that include Beginning Production, Beginning DJ and Intermediate Production classes (the student must have completed the Beginning Production class to take this course). Instructors for upcoming classes include WVSU Extension Service 4-H Volunteers Charlie Blac from local radio station The Beat 98.7 FM and Charleston producers Chris Kessell and Rasheed Jones a.k.a. "Cyn".
In addition to classes at the Roosevelt Neighborhood Center, Beats, Rhymes, and Life is also being held as a 4-H club at DuPont Middle School.
If you are in 8th-12th grade and would like to learn more about getting involved in our Hip Hop music classes, please call the Roosevelt Center 4-H Office at 304-344-2764 for more information.
